International Day of Older Persons (IDOP)

Seniors Give Thanks! 2016

The Seniors Give Thanks! Campaign, in conjunction with the International Day of Older Persons (IDOP) Singapore, is held in October. The campaign encourages seniors to thank and strengthen relationships with their loved ones through simple acts of gratitude. The International Day of Older Persons Singapore, an initiative coordinated by National Council of Social Service, has grown from strength to strength since it was launched in 2014. This year, 500 trained befrienders from close to 40 community, corporate and social service organisations, and schools will be mobilised to encourage seniors to pen down their appreciation and fold paper hydrangeas – a floral symbol of heartfelt gratitude – for the people they wish to thank.

>> Watch How Seniors Expressed Their Gratitude to Their Loved Ones.

Sometimes, it is the simple gestures that bring greatest happiness. Chow Mui’s greatest joy is having her husband, Raymond, by her side through thick and thin, for the past 46 years. Find out how she surprised Raymond with a recreation of their early dates. >> Click here.

Having worked as a domestic helper when she was a teenager, Betty treats Christene, her domestic helper, like a family member. Knowing that Christene misses home, Betty decides to thank Christene with a simple heartwarming gesture. >> Click here.

Mohamed Hussin’s two sons, Hozehfa and Taher, though 15 years apart, have always been close. They may have different personalities but there is one thing that they have in common – the love for their father. Since Mohamed Hussin was diagnosed with ‘stiff man’s syndrome’, his sons would often massage his sore limbs and accompany him to his physiotherapy sessions, something he is very thankful for. Watch how Mohamed Hussin shows his appreciation to his two sons despite his mobility challenge. >> Click here.

Tips for Eliciting Gratitude Stories

Eliciting stories is a wonderful way of sparking a conversation with the seniors in your life. Use the themes below as conversation starters: